STEPHEN Moore has been confirmed as the Wallabies’ captain.Moore will lead Australia’s campaign at the World Cup later this year, while NSW duo Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper have been announced as Wallabies co vice-captains.
As revealed by the Daily Telegraph today, veteran hooker Moore got the nod as Australia’s captain ahead of incumbent captain Hooper.
“It’s an honour every time you get to wear the Wallabies jumper, and to be captain is extra special, but ultimately it’s what you do with it that is most important,” Moore said.
”Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies captain
Michael Cheika ”
“It was extremely humbling to have the opportunity last year but it went very quickly, so to be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege, and something I hold dearly.
“Australian Rugby is lucky to have many good leaders in this team who lead by actions and we have already spent some quality time together, defining our identity, what we are about and what we stand for.
“I’m really excited about what we can achieve in the next four months. It is a very special opportunity for all of us, and it starts in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on July 18 against the Springboks”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “Having spoken to the two vice-captains prior to Stephen, both of them couldn’t have made a higher endorsement of Stephen to the lead them personally, this playing group and our country.
“Leadership is going to be a massive part of this journey, and both Adam and Michael will have a big part to play in supporting Stephen.
”To be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege, and something I hold dearly.
Stephen Moore ”
“Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies captain and it is a testament to his character that he has been able to overcome a setback and put himself in a position to lead his country again.
“He has a tremendous amount of respect not only from within this playing group, but across the board in our organisation and universally within the game.”
Moore will deservedly reprise the role he had for one minute in 2014 before injury ruined his debut as Australian skipper.
Moore led the Wallabies out against France in Brisbane last year for the first time, becoming Australia’s 81st test skipper, but fell awkwardly making an early tackle and ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
He was cruelly ruled out for the remainder of the year, allowing Hooper to take up the reigns.
Crucially, flanker David Pocock was also out for the year, which gave Hooper an automatic start as Australia’s openside flanker.
This year, Pocock has returned in fine form and there are no guarantees that Hooper will be the starting No.7 for the Wallabies at the World Cup.
Moore, 32, is a vastly experienced campaigner with 92 Test caps, and has captained the Brumbies for the past two seasons. Hooper is vice-captain at Super Rugby level, under NSW skipper Dave Dennis.
Moore, should he remain fit, will join James Horwill, Stirling Mortlock, George Gregan, Phil Kearns, Nick Farr-Jones and Michael Lynagh as men who have led World Cup campaigns for Australia.
Moore is one of just two automatic starters for the Wallabies, the other being fullback Israel Folau.
Props James Slipper and Sekope Kepu would be expected to start most Tests but coach Michael Cheika has also selected some rookie front-rowers which he could blood during The Rugby Championship.
Outside of that, every other position is up for grabs and while some incumbents would be favoured to retain their roles, their selections are hardly set in stone.
Tatafu Polota-Nau and James Hanson are Moore’s back-ups as hookers, and neither would start in the first Test unless Moore is injured.
Moore’s appointment is also tactically astute given the Wallabies’ perennial struggles in the scrum.
Australia is expected to be heavily targeted in that set piece during the World Cup, particularly against pool rivals Wales and England.
Moore packs down in the front row and as captain, can directly question referees’ interpretations and rulings.
Meanwhile, Nick Cummins has been drafted into the Wallabies’ squad after the death of Henry Speight’s grandfather in Fiji led to his withdrawal on compassionate leave.
Speight was already due to miss the opening two Tests of The Rugby Championship because he is suspended over a lifting tackle, but it is now unclear when he will return to the squad.
Speight is expected to fly to Fiji for the funeral and grieving process, while Cummins flew to Caloundra on Sunday evening alongside the rest of the squad.
Cummins had a mixed year for Western Force after returning from a stint in Japan, but has previously been a standout try-scorer in the Wallabies jersey.
The Wallabies will have a five-day camp in Caloundra before heading to Brisbane, where they play the opening Test of the Rugby Championship against South Africa on July 18.
